Pepper (Freedom MC)

by Ren Parris

  Her lip quivers as she tries to fight back the fear, so I pull her into my lap and kiss her forehead to calm her down. “It will be ok, baby, just hang tight.”

  “I'm scared,” she whispers.

  “I know you are, but the guys will be here in a minute. We have this place under security. The silent alarm should have gone off, but they can see what’s happening on the camera security system. We’ll stay right here until they arrive or the person comes up on us.”

  She tucks her head into my chest, and I can feel my shirt wet from her tears. Suddenly, commotion erupts through the air—a heavy thud, screaming, grunting, followed by heavy footfalls.

  “Motherfucker!” I hear Shooter shout.

  “Wolf?” Pepper flinches.

  I stand up, pulling Pepper up with me, and see that Shooter has a guy face down on the concrete floor with his foot pressed against the back of his neck and a gun pointed at the back of his skull. I stomp forward to see who the hell this bastard is, Pepper still clutching my hand tightly and trying to keep up. “I think this piece of shit could be a prospect for the Dwellers,” Shooter says without looking up. Travis is casing the garage, checking every corner and behind vehicles, his gun cocked and ready.

  “Take him to the dungeon. We’ll get to him in just a few. Also, find out how he was able to get on the property without us knowing it,” I demand.

  “You got it, Prez.”

  “Travis, come get Pepper’s stuff and take it to my room.”

  He nods and clicks the safety back on his gun as he makes his way toward us.

  “Wait a second so you can walk Pepper back in.”

  Travis gathers her bag and stands at the door to wait on her.

  Turning, I grab her hand. “Walk with me,” I order, stepping a few feet away from the guys. “Sweetheart, this kind of thing doesn’t happen often. The Dwellers or someone is up to something. We’ll find out. Until then, we’re going to be careful. I want you to go back to the clubhouse with Travis. I’ll be just a little bit.”

  “Okay, Wolf, I’ll go for now. You have some explaining to do. I need answers.”

  “I know, baby, and I’ll tell what I can.”

  I kiss her forehead, then follow Shooter into the clubhouse, taking the steps down into the dungeon.

  I open the steel door and see a beat-up Moose who can hardly open his eyes through the bruised and swollen flesh. “It looks like the Dwellers may have sent a prospect here. Not sure if he’s looking for you or trying to scope out our operations. We’re about to find out a lot more than you’ve been willing to give us.”

  “Fuck off! If he’s with us, he’ll not tell you anything because he doesn’t know anything.”

  “I’m willing to bet he knows more than you or any of the Dwellers thinks he knows.”

  I step into the hall and pull the door ajar, speaking loud enough to Shooter and hoping that Moose can hear me, I say, “Do whatever you need to find out what the prospect knows.”

  I walk into the interrogation room with Shooter and Tank, where they have the young prospect duct taped to a chair. He’s heaving roughly but holding a stoic stare, trying to feign terror. I circle around the chair once then step back and lean close to stare into his eyes. His pupils dilate, and he clenches his jaw tighter. “Go ahead and get your tools. We’ll see if this piece of shit wants to tell us anything.” I viciously smile just like the animal I’m named after.

  “I got nothing to fucking say,” he grounds out defiantly.

  “Just giving you the chance now, boy, because you’re not going to like how we’re going to fuck you up,” Shooter gleefully says, then leaves to get his tools.

  “You don’t scare me.”

  “Well, we shall fucking see. Here comes Shooter back with his tools.” Tank glances over his shoulder as Shooter enters the small room adjusting the flame setting on a blowtorch. He turns back and smiles knowingly at the prospect. “This is your last chance to tell us what you know.”

  The prospect spits, having no idea what is about to happen. Shooter starts setting up his weapons and tools. “I’m going to heat this branding iron with this blowtorch.” He puts the blindfold on the guy’s eyes, sweat dampening the fabric as he ties it around his head.

  Shooter bends down and whispers, “Are you ready to get your branding with the iron? It’s a large F. I’m going to put the iron on your back first. If you don’t talk, I’ll have your pants pulled off and brand your dick.”

  The Dweller's prospect shudders and gasps, pissing himself. Shooter shrugs at me, then strikes up the blowtorch.

  “All I-I know is w-what I’ve heard through the grapevine.” Fucker can talk. “There have been several plants into your businesses. There is supposed to be a plant at one of the bars, and I think they are planning one at the strip club. The only other thing I know for sure is there is a club wanting your territory. Something to do with running drugs.”

  Of course, he’s telling us shit he’s heard. Most MC’s don’t let prospects in on what’s going on. “That’s it; I don’t know anything else. You should go ahead and kill me now because I’m dead for running my mouth,” the prospect admits.

  Sighing, Shooter tells the miserable prospect. “We’re not going to kill you, but we are going to fuck you up for coming on to our property. We’re going to let you go, and it’s up to you whether you go back to them. It would be a good fucking idea for you not to ever show up around here again. We need to know how you got onto our property.”

  “W-well that’s just it. I-I walked through the front gate. There was nobody guarding it.”

  I motion for Tank and Shooter to follow me out. We walk to the other side of the basement.

  “Go find out who was supposed to be guarding the gate and why it was okay to leave their post,” I tell Tank. “Tell Ghost to check the footage from last night.”

  “Sure thing. I’m right on it. I don’t like this shit at all. We seem to have a problem,” Tank grumbles.

  “Yes, we have a big problem if anyone can walk onto our compound. They could get to any one of us. We’ll need to get one of the brothers to help with the gate for a while.”

  Tank nods as he stares off in deep thought. Suddenly, his eyes alight and he smiles like a lightbulb just flickered in his mind. “I think someone has been planning something for a while. At least now we might have a head start on what’s going on. We could’ve been sitting ducks. Fuck, they could have a plant inside the club itself, not just the bars or businesses.”

  “You’re most likely fucking right, Tank. Do we know if Shadow got back from doing the recon?”

  “No, but Ghost has been talking with his contacts in Yuma,” Shooter speaks up.

  “Good, maybe we can get ahead of this with a small number of casualties.”

  Tank and I turn and head back up the stairs. Shooter will take care of the prospect.

  I go upstairs to check on Pepper, only to find my room empty. Going back down to the kitchen, I find her eating with Bull, Tanya, and Sue—Tanya’s grandmother. They’re talking and laughing with Bull right up against my woman. I want to smack my brother. Pepper notices me and waves for me to join them. Grabbing a plate, I fill it up with food, then make my way over to the table. Fucking Slick has done slipped in behind my back and is sitting on the other side of Pepper. Seeing nothing but red, I know I need to calm the fuck down.

  “I believe you’re in my seat, brother,” I tell him through clenched teeth.

  “I don’t see your name anywhere on the chair I’m in.” Slick knows he’s being a smart ass, but can’t help poking at me.

  “You’d better get your fucking ass out of it before I shove you out if it.”

  “Fuck, man, are you telling me you’re claiming this?”

  “Yes, I believe I am, so pass the word—she’s mine.”

  Pepper is busy talking to Sue, oblivious to the altercation between Slick and me. Everyone else in the kitchen got the meaning. A chair clashes against the ground, and Pepper turns to
see what the commotion is. Roxie stands next to the sideways chair, her hands propped up on her hips. She’s as pale as a ghost. Throwing a mean glare at Pepper, she runs from the room.

  I sit down beside Pepper, shrugging my shoulders. She smiles at me, then turns back to finish talking to Sue.

  I notice everyone is staring at me. “What in the fuck are you all looking at? Finish eating.”

  I know they can’t believe what I just said. Most of them never thought I’d lay claim to someone. I know they’re wondering if I’ll make her my ol’ lady. The thought hasn’t crossed my mind yet, but now that I’ve claimed her, all the men will leave her the fuck alone.

  Pepper lifts her glass to her mouth. I lean in and ask, “Would you like to come downstairs tonight? We usually have a party with all the brothers, ol’ ladies, and the BB’s. It can get somewhat wild, but with the families being here, it won’t be as bad.”

  She shrugs, her cheeks blushing. “It sounds fun. I need to work a little while on my computer. Is it alright for me to use the desk upstairs in your bedroom?

  “Yes, that will be fine. I need to check on our business this afternoon. I’ll be back around six to eat supper with you. The party will start around nine and could last until the morning.”

  She gets up and clears her plate, noticing that I’m right behind her. “You don’t have to go up with me. I know where your bedroom is.”

  “I know, but I’ll feel better seeing you to my room before I leave.” My voice sounds strange … soft.

  I place my hand on the small of her back and escort her upstairs. Pushing the door open, I gesture for her to enter then I slam the door shut behind me, the metal rattling as it connects with the wood. Pepper jumps and turns on her heel so quickly that she bumps into me, but I grab her arms to steady her.

  We stand still—a hairsbreadth away—considering each other, and she breaks eye contact first. The air around us crackles with energy.

  “Oh sorry, you startled me with the door slamming. I’m here now; you can go to check on your businesses.” She glues her gaze to the floor.

  “I got to take care of something right now,” I growl.

  I spin her around and push her against the door, my mouth falling to the curve of her neck. I inhale her amazing scent, my breath blanketing over her flesh, then my lips meet her heated flesh with a soft kiss. Her breath hitches in her chest, and her fingers curl into my shoulders as her knees give way with weakness. I nibble my way from her neck to her lips, watching her eyes roll to the back of her head as she comes undone in my arms. My lips graze her mouth and bite down. She moans softly.

  “Are you going to let me in for the kiss I’m dying to have?” I whisper against her plump pink lips.

  She quickly nods and I dive in, giving her the best kiss. My lips are gentle to start. Cupping her delicate face, I control the tangle of her tongue against mine. Moaning, she arches her back to bring me closer to her body. I deepen the kiss, demanding more, and I know she can feel the hardness of my cock pressing against her stomach.

  I break the kiss to catch my breath, still holding a weak and quivering Pepper against my body. “Fuck, baby, I’m about to die to have you. That kiss will do for now. I have things I need to do. You plan on getting fucked so hard tonight, you’ll have a hard time walking tomorrow.”

  Moving her away from the door, I kiss her cheek. “Bye, sweetheart. I’ll see you at supper.” I leave her standing there at the door in a trance.

  chapter eleven

  Pepper

  The sound of the door closing pulls me from my haze. I touch my fingers to my mouth and realize just how much Wolf turns me on. It might help to take a quick shower to cool down since I’ve gotten so hot. Locking the door, I get my toiletries and go into the bathroom. I notice the huge tub and decide it would be better to just soak in a bubble bath instead. I can think in the quiet for a while. Sometimes I get my best book ideas that way.

  I run the bath water hot and add some bath beads, then grab my iPad, just in case I get any great ideas while I’m relaxing. Stripping out of my clothes, I step into the tub. The water is just right; I can tell it’s going to help my tired muscles from yesterday’s drama, and not getting a very good night’s sleep. The bed just was unfamiliar, and I didn’t have my pillow that I always sleep with. Tanya was all over the place and putting her feet in my back.

  With a sigh, I lie back into the water.

  Never mind brainstorming—all I can think about is Wolf. His kiss did wonderful things to my body. My pussy got so wet, I would have had to change my panties if I wasn’t already taking them off for my bath. When I felt his hard cock pressing into my belly, I knew if he told me to take off my clothes I would’ve torn them from my body. I want him so bad.

  I’m startled from a lull of sleep when I hear someone come into the bedroom, and I sit up in the tub to listen. I hear Wolf and another man talking.

  “Pepper?” Wolf calls out, but I remain quiet. I know I should answer and tell him I’m in the bathroom, but I’m uncomfortable with the men knowing I’m naked.

  “Okay, man. Shoot. I think we’re alone.”

  “I just got through talking to Crystal, and I need to tell you about what she told me.”

  That sounds like Shooter.

  “Go ahead.”

  “She told me about Hitch’s plan of having her here to snoop around. I just found out she's related to Hitch. She's a good girl, innocent in this mess with the Dwellers.”

  “Tank and I will need to question her, then we can decide on what we’re going to do. Most likely, if she's innocent, we’ll use her to feed them wrong information. We’ll keep it close to the truth as possible in case they can get intel somewhere else,” Wolf says.

  “I don’t want her in danger. I want a brother watching her at all times,” growls Shooter.

  “Yeah, we can have someone tail her, but we’re on lockdown. That will be easy."

  "She told me she needs to see her mother soon—the woman’s in a nursing home—and the plan for her to meet guys from the Dwellers there to give them information,” Shooter adds.

  “We’ll speak with Crystal after supper tonight before we get started with our regular Friday night party. Keep quiet until then so it won’t spook her. We can use the nursing home visit to our advantage.”

  “I'll keep quiet, but if we're going to do this, she has to be safe."

  "You said that already. Like I'd let anything happen to the female. We’ll meet in my office,” Wolf responds.

  I hear the bedroom door shut, and I quickly jump out of the bath. All I can think about is how poor Crystal has ended up in this situation because of the Dwellers, much like myself. I for one am tired of being manipulated by dangerous and mean men. I need to find Crystal so we can talk; maybe together we can do something to bring this chaos to an end.

  Throwing on a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and some flip flops, I leave Wolf’s bedroom. I check Shooter’s room first, then head down to the bar.

  “Have you seen Crystal?” I ask Travis, who’s working behind the bar.

  “Not lately. Last time I saw her, she was on her way upstairs.”

  “’K, thanks.”

  In the kitchen, I find only Cook, who hasn’t seen Crystal, either. As I make my way to the laundry room, I run into Roxie coming out of one of the bedrooms by Wolf’s office.

  Even though I’m not fond of her, I still ask, “Have you seen Crystal?”

  “No, bitch, she’s probably stuck up under Shooter somewhere. He seems to only want that blonde bimbo.”

  A wave of raw rage washes over me and my inner bitch claws to the surface.

  “Oh my God, Roxie! You mean there’s another brother who doesn’t want to fuck you anymore. I guess there must be something wrong with you lately. Maybe it’s the new meat in town as opposed to old meat.” Obviously it's not only my erotic side that's getting brought out around these people. Though I think Roxie can bring out the bitch side of any saint.

  “You be
tter shut the fuck up, or I will shut you up.”

  “Bring it on, I’m so scared.” If she really thinks she can bully me, she's got another thing coming.

  Roxie’s face turns all shades of red, and I think I’ve pushed her a little too far. My bad! Before she can come after me, Cherry comes out of the laundry room and quickly takes in the situation.

  “Hi ladies. Roxie, I believe Dog is looking for you.”

  Roxie nods and turns to walk away, leaving us standing there. She pauses and looks back with warning. “You better watch your back, bitch, because I’m coming after you.”

  Cherry touches my arm and draws my attention back to her. “Pepper, honey, you shouldn’t talk to her. She’s not a very nice person.”

  “I know, Cherry, but I’m not going to let her run all over me either. Does she get along with anyone around here?” The idea is laughable.

  “She seems to like all the men, of course, but she used to be friends with Brenda, Bull’s ex girl.”

  “Well, it seems she should like Tanya then?”

  “Yes, she loved that little girl to death, but something happened and she hasn’t been friendly with Tanya for a while now."

  “I don’t see how anyone could not love that little girl." There's nothing that could happen to me to make me not care about a beautiful child anymore. "Anyways, before I was so rudely sidetracked, I was looking for Crystal. Have you seen her?”

  “Yes, she said she was going outside to sit in the shade for a little while.”

  “Thanks, Cherry.” I head out the back door. Crystal is sitting under a big oak tree with her head down on her knees. I walk up quietly so as not to startle her. I sit down beside her, and when Crystal looks up at me, I can tell she’s been crying. Her eyes are all puffy and red, looking like they’re swollen together. I put my arm around her, holding her like I would want to be held, and she leans her head on my shoulder as she softly cries. Ten minutes later, she straightens up. Maybe ready to talk.

  “Sweetie, I overheard Wolf and Shooter talking in Wolf’s room. They didn’t know I was in the bathroom, and I kind of listened in. I know about your mother. I’m so sorry.”